Authors

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

11-2015

Abstract

As the U.S. public faces a discursive climate characterized by incivility and partisanship, scholars have the opportunity to productively influence public discourse, especially the deliberations of leaders and other community members (Carcasson, 2011). How might rhetorical studies of health improve their public position regarding civic engagement and community problem-solving? We argue that rhetorical studies of health can productively engage the public through scholars’ participation in collaborative community problem-solving and deliberation about public concerns. In working to improve the public significance of rhetorical studies of health, some important considerations include collaboration within and outside of the academy, the dual roles of the citizen-scholar, spheres of argument, and making public scholarship visible and valuable.